Revs Sign One Of League's Top Run Producers
Published on March 8, 2010 under Atlantic League (AtL)
York Revolution News Release
(York, Pa.): York Revolution manager and director of baseball operations Andy Etchebarren announced two more signings on Monday, inking outfielder James Shanks and right-handed pitcher James Morrison to contracts for the 2010 season. The Revs now have 18 signings announced, with just one month remaining before the club congregates for spring training in York.
Shanks' 93 RBI for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs last season placed him in a tie for third most in the Atlantic League, just three off the top spot. The outfielder also finished with the second most hits in the league at 157, and the third most total bases with 244. Overall he batted.293 with 17 homeruns for the Liberty Division champs, earning mid-season and post-season Atlantic League All-Star accolades. This came after hitting at a solid.287 clip with the Blue Crabs the year before. The Appling, GA native began his career in the Kansas City Royals organization, where he was a spring training and instructional league teammate of Revolution starting pitcher Corey Thurman. Shanks then moved onto the Florida Marlins system, reaching Triple-A in 2005, and again in 2006 when he batted.299 for the Albuquerque Isotopes. Against the Revolution last season, he enjoyed both a 5-for-5 performance, and a 4-for-4 night. Shanks is a career.293 hitter, and enters his 12th season in 2010, which is also his third in the Atlantic League. Shanks' signing gives the Revs four outfielders under contract.
"James is an outstanding guy in the clubhouse, and an All-Star leftfielder," said Etchebarren. "He's as good in the clubhouse as he is good on the field, and that's what we're looking for."
Morrison has been a standout closer in the American Association and the Northern League the past three years, racking up a total of 55 saves during that span. That includes a career-best 20 for Grand Prairie last season, which ranked 3rd best in the American Association. The 29-year-old righty has 67 career saves under his belt, to go with a 4.40 ERA. That ERA has dropped to a combined 3.64 the past four seasons, including a career-low 2.81 with Grand Prairie two years ago. A dependable arm, Morrison has led his league in games pitched in two of the last three years. He has also spent time in the Cincinnati Reds organization.
"His numbers speak for themselves," said Revs director of player procurement Michael Kirk. "He obviously has the pedigree to be a great back-of-the-game guy."
Of the Revs' 10 signed pitchers who have been announced, six have gained regular experience as a closer at some point during their careers.
Atlantic League Stories from March 8, 2010
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- Somerset Patriots Re-Sign Casey Cahill And Joe Burke - Somerset Patriots
- Revs Sign One Of League's Top Run Producers - York Revolution
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